Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 216

Ashley pov

The dress is beautiful, I’ll give them that. Layers of silk and lace hug my body so perfectly, I can see every shape and curve in the mirror. The deep red fabric flows like a river of blood down to the floor. I sort of feel like this dress represents everything I dread finally coming true.

A white dress, the same fabric, shape and style would be a perfect fit for a wedding, an occasion everyone would love to celebrate. It’s the kind of dress I’d imagine wearing for a different kind of day, one where I was surrounded by people I loved, walking towards the man I love.

In a perfect scenario, my parents would be there too. They would be at my side, smiling, cheering me on and holding me impossibly close.

But now, standing in this dress, I know that it represents the pain and suffering I’m about to embrace and live every second of my life. Which, for the record, I believe will be way shorter than the Goddess initially intended to grace me with.

As I gaze at my reflection, my heart keeps pounding with terror while I stand here, wrapped up like a prize for the taking.

Before I lose myself in my thoughts, a sharp knock on the door startles me, making me jump. I know who it is before I hear him ask if he may enter the room.

“Come in,” I say, forcing a fake smile and balling my fists at my sides. I’m still supposed to play the part.

The door opens, and the king steps inside, his eyes instantly zero in on the reflection in the mirror. There’s this look on his face, almost like one of parental pride and that literally makes me sick to my stomach.

“Ashley,” he says warmly, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “You look beautiful. And the dress, it fits you so well. If I hadn’t seen my late mate wearing the dress already, I’d assume it was tailor made for you specifically. My son is a lucky man to have a woman like you by his side. He must be one of the Goddesses favorites.”

I force a little wider smile, biting back the bile rising in my throat. “Thank you,” I mutter and ignore the bitter aftertaste those words leave in my throat.

He crosses the room in a few quick strides and offers me his arm like a true gentleman. I hesitate, my trembling fingers hover over the fabric of his suit jacket before I force myself to loop my arm through his. The warmth of his skin makes my skin crawl, but I keep my expression in check.

“It’s a shame your parents can’t be here,” he says softly as we leave the room. “Such a big day for their daughter, and they’re not here to see it. But I’m sure they’d be proud, wherever they are. Not as proud as me, of course, but I’m sure you know what I mean.”

Wherever they are. I want to scream, to claw at his face and make him take those words back. He knows exactly where my parents are. He put them there. It was his soldiers who stormed our territory, his command that ended their lives, and now he’s here, pretending to care, acting as if he’s doing me some great kindness by walking me down this aisle.

But I can’t scream and can’t cry. I can’t do anything but smile and nod as if his words haven’t driven a knife through my chest.

“Yes,” I manage to agree. “I’m sure they’d be proud.”

He beams at me, squeezing my hand like he’s comforting me, almost like he’s my father. I grit my teeth and focus on breathing. This ends today. No matter what, it ends today.

As we turn a corner, a familiar figure appears in the hallway ahead of us, his face pale and eyes wide with something that looks like desperation. My heart almost stops in my chest. It’s Gio.

The king’s expression twists for a split second before it turns into a cold, satisfied smile. “Ah, Gio,” he says, his voice dripping with false happiness. “I thought you’d like to see this. After all, it’s not every day a traitor gets to witness such a happy occasion. Consider it a kindness from me to you.”

I feel the heat of Gio’s gaze burning into my skin as he mouths the words, “I’m so sorry.”

My breath gets stuck in my throat, tears I can’t afford to let fall well up in my eyes. Gio’s eyes are pleading, desperate, and I know he wants me to fight my way out.

“Please,” Gio mutters, turning to the king. “Don’t do this. We were friends once, brothers. You know this is wrong. Forcing her into this won’t end well, not for you, not for the kingdom. Kaiden is not-”

“Enough,” the king snaps and slaps a hand over mine, squeezing it painfully. “You had your chance to show loyalty, Gio, and you wasted it. Do not lecture me about what’s right and wrong.”

“Think about the future!” Gio’s voice rises with desperation. “This will lead to chaos. The people are already-”

“Enough!” The king screams. “I’ve given you more chances than you deserve. Guards!” He gestures sharply, and two men step forward, their hands closing around Gio’s arms before he can say another word.

“No,” Gio struggles against them, his eyes fixed on me. “Ashley, don’t-” His voice is cut off as the guards drag him back down the hall, his voice fading, but loud enough for us to still hear him. “Please, listen to me. You’re making a mistake! This will come back to haunt you!”

“Take him back to the cells,” the king says dismissively, waving his hand like the man means nothing to him, just another casualty. “I have no time for traitors who don’t know when to keep their mouths shut.”

My eyes follow Gio as he’s pulled away, his gaze never leaving mine until he disappears around the corner. My chest aches for him, but there’s no time for regrets.